Nuclear Engineering Career

Nuclear engineering is a field of engineering, which deals with the breakdown of atoms, on the basis of their nuclear structures. A nuclear engineering career is quite an extensive field of study, with many specialties. It basically uses the principles of mathematics and science to develop solutions for technical problems that may arise from exposure to harmful radioactive matter. Nuclear engineers develop the model, design and construct way to deal with the situation.

In a nuclear engineering career, it takes a lot before you can officially be referred to as an engineer. But it is worth the effort. In high school you should have taken science subjects; most importantly Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry. You should then attend an undergraduate course in engineering before you can advance to study for the degree. Once these are completed you will need to obtain a license to begin working.

Types, Description, Information

A nuclear engineering career is widespread and deals with many spheres, but the three major subjects that are dealt with in nuclear engineering, are nuclear fusion, nuclear fission and nuclear medicine. Nuclear fusion involves the electrodynamics and plasmas. It is mainly research oriented, and you do not need any practical engineering experience. Nuclear fission involves the study of reactors, fission systems, nuclear fuels and power plants. On the other hand nuclear medicine, deals with the body and how radiation can be used to provide treatment options such as use of radiation to cure cancer, and also the creation of many modern machines, such as MRI’s and CT scans.

Qualifications: Course training and Certifications

Before you can begin studying for an engineering program you have to go through the undergraduate coursework, studying construction, dynamics, thermodynamics, computer programming, chemistry and physics.

School, College Education

Below is a list of the top 5 nuclear engineering colleges in the US.

1. Kansas State University, Kansas.

2. California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California

3. Arkansas Technical University, Arkansas.

4. Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia

5. Colorado School of Mines in, Golden Colorado

Job Opportunities, Salaries and Recruitment

Being a profession with few graduates, you would expect that there would be many opportunities. But that is not the case. Most vacancies occur either due to transfers or retirement. Starting offers for a nuclear engineer are from $50100 to $60500 pa. A mid level engineer earns from $81350 to $95000 pa and an experienced engineer, from $110000 pa.